Hearing the word cancer can make everything feel uncertain all at once. Suddenly, you may have questions about tests, biopsy reports, surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, recovery and treatment costs. During such a difficult time, choosing the right oncologist can make the treatment journey easier to understand and manage.

An oncologist is a doctor who specializes in cancer diagnosis and treatment. The right specialist should understand your type and stage of cancer, explain the available treatment options clearly and help you understand what the next step should be.

For patients looking for oncologists in Faridabad and Delhi NCR, surgical oncology is an important part of comprehensive cancer care. Dr. Shivam Vatsal Agarwal, Director & Head – Surgical Oncology & Robotic Surgery (Unit II) at Metro Cancer Institute, Faridabad, specializes in the surgical management of several cancers, including head and neck, breast, gastrointestinal, gynaecological and thoracic cancers.

What Does an Oncologist Do?

An oncologist is a medical specialist who focuses on cancer care. Depending on the diagnosis, a patient may receive care from one oncologist or from a multidisciplinary team involving different cancer specialists.

There are three major areas of oncology:

Surgical Oncology

Surgical oncology focuses on using surgery to diagnose, stage or remove cancer. Surgery may involve removing a tumor along with nearby affected tissue or lymph nodes when required.

Medical Oncology

Medical oncology uses medicines to treat cancer. These may include chemotherapy, targeted therapy, immunotherapy and other systemic treatments depending on the type and stage of cancer.

Radiation Oncology

Radiation oncology uses carefully planned radiation therapy to destroy or control cancer cells. Radiation may be recommended before or after surgery or as part of treatment for cancers that cannot be treated with surgery alone.

Cancer treatment is not a one-size-fits-all process. The recommended approach depends on several factors, including the cancer type, stage, tumor location, overall health and previous treatment.

What Is Surgical Oncology?

Surgical oncology is the branch of cancer care that uses surgery to diagnose, stage or treat cancer.

For some patients, surgery may be the main treatment. In other situations, surgery may be combined with chemotherapy, radiation therapy, immunotherapy or targeted treatment.

Modern surgical oncology may also include laparoscopic and robotic surgery for selected patients. These minimally invasive approaches generally use smaller access points than conventional open surgery. However, whether they are appropriate depends entirely on the cancer, its location, stage and the patient’s individual surgical requirements.

The goal is not simply to use the newest surgical technique. The priority is to achieve effective cancer treatment while choosing an approach that is appropriate for the individual patient.

When Should You See an Oncologist?

You may be referred to an oncologist after an abnormal scan, biopsy or other investigation suggests cancer.

You may also benefit from specialist evaluation if you have already received a cancer diagnosis and want to understand your treatment options or obtain a second opinion.

Common reasons to consult an oncologist include:

• A confirmed cancer diagnosis
• An abnormal biopsy or pathology report
• A tumor identified on imaging
• Cancer that may require surgery
• Cancer that has returned after previous treatment
• The need for a personalized cancer treatment plan
• A second opinion before starting treatment
• Questions about minimally invasive or robotic cancer surgery

An early oncology consultation can help organize the treatment journey. It gives the specialist an opportunity to review the diagnosis, pathology, imaging and other investigations before recommending the next step.

Which Cancers Can a Surgical Oncologist Treat?

Surgical oncologists may be involved in treating cancers affecting different organs and regions of the body.

Dr. Shivam Vatsal Agarwal’s clinical areas include head and neck cancer surgery, breast and oncoplastic surgery, gastrointestinal cancer surgery, gynaecological cancer surgery and thoracic oncology, along with laparoscopic and robotic cancer surgery.

Depending on the patient’s diagnosis, surgical oncology may be involved in the management of:

• Breast cancer
• Oral and head and neck cancers
• Lung and thoracic cancers
• Stomach cancer
• Colon and rectal cancer
• Gastrointestinal cancers
• Ovarian and selected gynaecological cancers
• Bladder and selected urological cancers
• Soft tissue tumors

The exact treatment should always be decided after reviewing the patient’s pathology, imaging, medical history and overall health.

How Is Cancer Treatment Planned?

A cancer diagnosis can come with many medical terms and decisions at once. Think of cancer treatment planning like creating a roadmap. Doctors first need to understand where the cancer is and how far it has progressed before deciding which treatment approach is most appropriate.

1. Reviewing the Diagnosis

The oncologist reviews biopsy or pathology reports along with existing medical records and investigation results.

2. Cancer Staging

Imaging and other investigations may be required to understand the size and location of the cancer and whether it has spread to other areas.

3. Multidisciplinary Discussion

Depending on the case, cancer treatment may involve surgeons, medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, radiologists, pathologists and other healthcare professionals.

4. Treatment Recommendation

After reviewing the available information, the medical team determines whether surgery, systemic therapy, radiation therapy, a combination of treatments or another approach is appropriate.

5. Recovery and Follow-Up

After treatment, follow-up care helps monitor recovery and identify any concerning changes. Depending on the treatment, follow-up may include clinical examinations, imaging, blood tests or other investigations.

Understanding the Cancer Treatment Journey

Treatment Stage	What Usually Happens
Diagnosis	Biopsy, pathology and clinical evaluation
Staging	Imaging and investigations to assess the extent of cancer
Treatment Planning	Specialists review the diagnosis and determine the appropriate approach
Treatment	Surgery, medicines, radiation therapy or a combination
Recovery	Wound care, nutrition, activity and symptom monitoring
Follow-Up	Regular clinical reviews and investigations when required

Why Consider Laparoscopic or Robotic Cancer Surgery?

For selected patients, minimally invasive surgery may be an alternative to conventional open surgery.

Laparoscopic surgery uses small access points and specialized surgical instruments. Robotic surgery uses a robotic surgical system controlled by the surgeon to perform precise movements during an operation.

Potential benefits for appropriately selected patients may include:

• Smaller surgical incisions
• Reduced surgical trauma
• Less postoperative discomfort in some cases
• Potentially faster recovery
• Earlier return to routine activities in selected situations

However, laparoscopic or robotic surgery is not automatically better for every cancer or every patient.

The surgical approach should be selected based on the tumor type, location, cancer stage, overall health and the patient’s individual requirements. The priority should always be effective and appropriate cancer treatment.

Meet the Expert: Dr. Shivam Vatsal Agarwal

Dr. Shivam Vatsal Agarwal is a surgical oncologist at Metro Cancer Institute, Faridabad, serving as Director and Head – Surgical Oncology & Robotic Surgery (Unit II).

His qualifications include MBBS and MS in General Surgery, along with surgical oncology training at AIIMS, New Delhi, and fellowship training in laparoscopic and robotic oncology.

His areas of expertise include:

• Head and neck cancer surgery
• Breast and oncoplastic surgery
• Gastrointestinal cancer surgery
• Gynaecological cancer surgery
• Thoracic oncology
• Laparoscopic cancer surgery
• Robotic cancer surgery

For patients and families, specialist expertise is an important part of cancer care. Clear communication matters too. Understanding why a particular treatment has been recommended can help patients and their families feel more prepared for the road ahead.

How to Choose the Right Cancer Specialist in Faridabad

When comparing oncologists in Faridabad or Delhi NCR, it is helpful to look beyond a doctor’s title or hospital name.

Consider asking:

• Does the doctor specialize in your particular type of cancer?
• Does the specialist have experience with the proposed procedure?
• Can the doctor explain the diagnosis and treatment options clearly?
• Is multidisciplinary cancer care available when required?
• Does the hospital have appropriate critical-care and support facilities?
• Can you comfortably ask questions about your treatment?
• Can you discuss your concerns openly with the medical team?
• Is the recommended treatment explained in a way you can understand?

There is no single “best oncologist” for every cancer patient. The right specialist depends on the patient’s diagnosis, treatment requirements and the specialist’s area of expertise.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is the oncologist in Faridabad?

The most suitable oncologist depends on the patient’s cancer type, stage and treatment requirements. Dr. Shivam Vatsal Agarwal is a surgical oncology specialist at Metro Cancer Institute, Faridabad, with expertise in several cancer surgeries, including laparoscopic and robotic approaches.

What does a surgical oncologist do?

A surgical oncologist uses surgical procedures to diagnose, stage and treat cancer when surgery is appropriate.

Surgery may be used as the primary treatment or as one part of a broader treatment plan involving chemotherapy, radiation therapy or other cancer treatments.

When should a patient see a cancer specialist?

A patient should see a cancer specialist when cancer has been diagnosed or when investigations have identified a finding that requires specialist assessment.

Early specialist consultation can help clarify the diagnosis, staging and available treatment options.

Is robotic surgery suitable for every cancer patient?

No. Robotic surgery is not suitable for every cancer or every patient.

The decision depends on factors such as the cancer type, tumor location, stage, overall health and the surgeon’s assessment.

Should a patient get a second opinion for cancer?

A second opinion can be useful when a patient wants greater clarity about a diagnosis or a major treatment decision.

It may help the patient understand whether the recommended treatment is appropriate and whether other treatment options may be available.

What should a patient bring to an oncology appointment?

It is helpful to bring:

• Biopsy and pathology reports
• CT, MRI, PET or other relevant scans
• Blood-test results
• Previous treatment records
• Current medication list
• Details of previous surgeries or treatments

Writing down your questions before the appointment can also help you make the most of your consultation.

Visit a Cancer Specialist in Faridabad

If you are looking for an oncologist in Faridabad or Delhi NCR, Dr. Shivam Vatsal Agarwal provides surgical oncology and robotic surgery care at Metro Cancer Institute, Sector 16A, Faridabad.

Dr. Shivam Vatsal Agarwal

Director & Head – Surgical Oncology & Robotic Surgery (Unit II)

Metro Cancer Institute Hospital
Ground Floor, Metro Cancer Institute Hospital
Nirman Kunj ADB PWD Colony, Sector 16A
Faridabad, Haryana – 121002

Phone: 099688 56411